Drive Forward Programs
Drive Forward supports the development of new regulations and programs to enable clean vehicle deployment and meet both state and national air quality standards, achieving climate and clean air goals, and protecting public health through strong vehicle standards.
These programs include:
A strong focus of the initiative is collaboration across all sectors. From communities, public agencies, utilities, industry partners, etc. It is critical that we work together to develop programs that support clean transportation for all. CARB aims to listen, build trust, and form and strengthen lasting partnerships that ensure public and stakeholder priorities are reflected in our work, and that all of us benefit from the State’s clean air and climate goals.
Background
Throughout 2025, multiple federal actions have challenged California’s environmental policies and clean air efforts. Recent illegal and unconstitutional actions taken by the current federal administration directly target CARB’s authority to enforce three of its most significant regulatory programs for protecting public health. These actions have also created market uncertainty, undermining confidence in clean technologies and hindering affordability and access.
On June 12, 2025, the Governor signed Executive Order N-27-25, reaffirming California’s commitment to deploy zero-emission vehicle technologies to improve air quality, especially in communities disproportionately impacted by pollution. The Executive Order also directs the state to do the following:
- Update our purchasing requirements to prioritize manufacturers that are aligned with the State’s emissions targets.
- Explore additional actions to advance zero-emission vehicle adoption—such as consumer protection strategies, infrastructure planning, voluntary efforts, and local partnerships. Recommendations can be found in the August 2025 Report to Governor.
- Directs the California Air Resources Board to develop new regulations - consistent with State and federal law - that reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, criteria pollutants, and toxics.
